The Rev. Ted Atwood, a well-known and widely loved priest in our diocese, died on Pentecost morning, May 23, 2021.
Theodore Oertel Atwood, Jr. was born August 3, 1936, in Augusta, Georgia to Theodore and Francis Atwood. He was ordained to the priesthood on April 25, 1964, at Christ Church in Savannah, Georgia by The Right Reverend Albert R. Stuart, Bishop of Georgia.
He served congregations in the Diocese of Georgia as Curate, Vicar and Rector before returning to active military duty to serve with the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam.
His post-Navy assignments were in the Dioceses of San Diego and Georgia. His most recent service was as Vicar of Holy Cross, Carlsbad, from November 2006 – July 2010.
Until a time of declining health in 2019, Fr. Atwood was a great supporter of military men and women at Camp Pendleton and throughout San Diego.
Fr. Atwood was a dedicated priest in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, regularly attending clergy conferences, diocesan functions, and supporting numerous diocesan organizations. He had a special relationship with Holy Cross in Carlsbad, St. Dunstan’s in San Diego, Christ Church in Coronado, and was a friend to many throughout the diocese.
Fr. Atwood was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He so enjoyed traveling to visit his daughters and their families. He took joy in encouraging his grandchildren in their many endeavors.
As a devoted Episcopal priest, who did much to build up the Church and encourage God’s people, we wish him “fair winds and following seas.” May he hear the voice of His Lord and Savior, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of Thy Lord.” (Matthew 25:23)
Fr. Atwood is survived by his sister Anne Petrey, daughters Catherin Atwood Voels, Margaret Atwood Gerard, and grandchildren.
You may reach out to Fr. Atwood's family with condolences at:
Family of the Rev. Theodore Atwood
6785 El Banquero Place
San Diego, Ca. 92119
O God, who by the glorious resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death, and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that your servant Ted, being raised with him, may know the strength of his presence, and rejoice in his eternal glory; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
